Tall, dark and handsome.
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Clearly they preferred Caldwell to Parish just prior to Round 1 in 2021.
So either the coaches cannot really tell how good a player is, or Caldwell is actually a better inside mid than Parish.
If its the latter, we really must have two here, maybe even 3, because Hobbs comes with a big fanfare…
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Reid barely trained at all. Has to be in doubt for round 1
How is Shiel looking??
So I guess we don’t have one! 
How did Cox look? still playing on the wing in match sim?
What about Mcgrath? surely Mcgrath is ahead of Hobbs
McGrath is my tip to surprise everyone this year, lots have written him off as only a good ordinary player.
How did our future captain go CJ?
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As long as it’s not pronounced “Fig-jam”.
As soon as I seen the noti was from you I knew I wouldn’t have the information I needed.
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SIUUUUUUUU
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Lets hope for VFL Round 1 then…
Very Richmond like in how they moved the ball to score the goal.
Cant wait for the season start havent been this hyped for a pre season ever
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I was there for about 2 hours and was impressed by McGrath. Worked both ways in match sim and got a fair bit of it. His change of direction was very good in tight spaces which was good to see after his injury.
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Training today on a lovely, warm morning at the Hangar. Not a cloud in the sky. What a day for a 3-hour sesh.
I’m reliably informed that training started at 9, but I arrived at about 9:50. Of the rehab group, I most noticed Walla, Perkins and Eyre. Pleased to say that Walla looked to be running better (though still looks a good way off being match fit. Perkins looks to have an issue, not sure what, but moving okay.
The most pleasing aspect of today was the fact that only Waterman and Brand were absent from training, and a relatively small rehab group. Langford started on the second oval, then took part in a little match sim, and it was again good to see Jones, Cox and Laverde taking part in most of the sim.
Players were giving critical feedback of each other today, mainly when players were leading to incorrect spots or were slow to move the ball on. For me, the latter is a concern for Guelfi and Kelly, then again, I’m not sure if the problem is the kicker or the players aren’t set up down the ground.
On observation, I do think we’re setting up the ground much better defensively, and Rance’s work with players on their defensive craft appears to be working well. We do seem to have a better balance of short and long kicks when going forward, but I still think that maybe we go the long bomb too much. Then again, that could simply have been the focus of training today. Probably bets to judge in the intraclub, or against an opposition.
Not any noticeable skill errors, which is good. After the match sim, the players were doing repeat 80% runs, seemingly at very good pace. Redman was flying in these, as were both Hirds. They’re certainly fit, and the skills look very good. Success this year will be dependent on how well the players can adhere to the game plan, which sounds cliche, but I think in the past, fitness and skills have been inadequate, so (hopefully) we’re past that stage now.
I’d love for Kelly to be a little more decisive with the ball. Hopefully that will come with confidence and awareness of his teammates, but I do see it as something that could be exploited.
Merrett and Stringer were back today, both looked okay, thought Merrett was a fraction rusty (not surprising).
Midfield really looks to be working well together. Caldwell and Shiel are the standouts so far. Hobbs doesn’t look out of place. Not flashy, just good. Parish also appears to be back in full training, which is great.
I love Sam Draper, but I’m not at all sure that his set shot kicking has improved. Really needs to work on his technique (could even need a specialist coach for it). If he can kick goals, he becomes a real problem for the opposition.
Fejo, as you read, is exciting, has lovely hands, especially under pressure. Wanganeen was steady in the match sim, Martin was quiet. With no disrespect to him, I feel as though we have enough players like Martin that he is surplus to requirements. We could certainly do with a few more players with X factor, which Fejo/Tex certainly have.
This is probably my last training report, I need to get myself prepped for school. I know I’m not nackers, but I’ve enjoyed the interactions. Thanks y’all.
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It’s settled then!
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I really do hope we pick Fejo you right we need more x-factor players
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Hey everyone, long time reader - first time poster. (Also a long time listener of the Lunchtime catch-up podcast, for those of you playing at home!).
Just want to thank you all for the great training reports, and the fabulous commentary throughout! It has certainly made the last year or 2 more enjoyable! Fingers crossed for a successful 2022!
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Busy at work so just a few notes on todays session… knowing me i will write way too much by the end anyway
One thing i am really pleased with is the fitness, attitude and form of Shiel, Smith and McGrath. Some have been out of form and yes much of that due to injury but i think all 3 are probably having their best pre season for at least 3 years. Probably add Caldwell to that but he was dominant i thought in the pre season last year but got injured round 2. The midfield is as healthy as i have ever seen it. Parish and Langford are transitioning to the main group in certain match drills, Stringer was flying today and Merrett joined the squad today after covid. Cox also is back in full training. Touch wood as this is our engine room and when all fit, is probably heading towards top 4 in comp. Only Perkins is not training in the full group but doesn’t look too bad. Unsure of his issue.
Today was another 3 hour marathon with various 3/4 match simulation drills. I missed the first drill but saw about 100 mins still.
No forwards really stood out today besides Stringer. Jake was in damaging form and looked above everyone else in stages. I found quite a bit of our forwardline was cluttered and forwards had little room to work with. I have noticed a number of times we play with a spare back or a ruckman like Phillips heads down. So the quicker smaller forwards were more prominent. Snelling was everywhere and just kept running to create space for every minute i watched. Snelling does so many things a coach would love.
Fejo jnr had some nice moments today. One play he was in heavy traffic and just so beautifully went around two guys and centred the ball to McGrath. Players were literally cheering him after it. It was genuine quality. He is a player with nice moments but still needs to work on demanding the footy. I find him quite shy still and therefore not attracting the footy as much. So much to like though.
I went down to the fence at one point and it took me back how vocal the players were with each other… in a good way. There is very strong accountability if a player is deemed to not play to their system. Shiel had words with Jones at one point on his leading pattern and Jones just said… yeh my bad will get that right. Another told Guelfi he had to take the quick initial open handball option and not slow down the transition of footy. It’s very willing and open in communication to strive to be a better team.
For me this is what i sense Woosha wanted in his players but i think made the mistake of trusting it from day one without him strongly enforcing it himself with set high standards and development. Truck has been vocal for the first 12 months and drumming home the game plan, standards and expectations to where the players can now take over on field leadership… it had to be lead by the coaches first though and its at a right balanced place now.
Nice to see McDonagh back and using his left boot to setup some of our attacks. Such an interesting prospect. Tex was quiet but not from a lack of trying. Martin also quiet. Had this feeling of senior players all very switched on today and taking over.
Draper and Bryan went at it one on one in match sim today and Draper was just dominant if I am being blunt. Sammy is ready to take on this comp. Now he just needs to practice goal kicking as that has not improved yet. Around the ground… oh my he is good.
Baldwin still a bit quiet but i watched him and you can tell he is just learning the craft again. Only the second week of match simulations and he missed two years of footy. He looked better the higher he went up the ground and had room.
Great to have a healthy list and players are doing the work. Next session is Saturday morning. See you there if you want to join us.
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Welcome.
Word of advice careful what you say or you’ll get hounded around here haha
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